Sikorsky S-51 H-5 Dragonfly

  • Period: Postwar (1945-1959)
  • Uses: Trainer
  • First Flight: February 1946
  • Display Status: On loan to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

The S-51 was an early postwar development of the R-5. Although intended for the civilian market, most S-51s went into military service. They served with all the US military services as well as with the air forces of Australia, Britain, Canada and France. The seven RCAF S-51s were designated H-5. The first helicopters in the RCAF, they were used mainly for training and experimentation, although some did search-and-rescue work. All H-5s were retired by the mid-1960s. The United States built 214, and 165 were made in Britain.

For rescue operations the H-5 could be fitted with external closed stretcher carriers. The US Air Force used S-51s extensively for casualty evacuation and the recovery of downed pilots during the Korean war.

Museum Example

  • Registration #: 9601 (RCAF)
  • Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft Division of United Aircraft Corporation, United States
  • Manufacture Date: 1947
  • Construction #: 5118
  • Aquisition Date: 1964
  • Provenance: Transfer from RCAF

The Museum example was the first helicopter built for the RCAF in 1947 and served until 1959. It was then stored until transferred to the Museum in 1964.

Specifications

Rotor diameter:
14.9 m (49 ft)
Length:
17.6 m (57 ft 8 in)
Height:
3.9 m (12 ft 11 in)
Weight, Empty:
1,728 kg (3,810 lb)
Weight, Gross:
2,495 kg (5,500 lb)
Cruising Speed:
137 km/h (85 mph)
Max Speed:
166 km/h (103 mph)
Rate of Climb:
305 m (1,000 ft) /min
Service Ceiling:
4,115 m (13,500 ft)
Range:
418 km (260 mi)
Power Plant:
one Pratt & Whitney R-985 AN-5 Wasp Jr., 450 hp, radial engine